N frame vs. K frame

TheLastGoodFight · August 2, 2016, 01:33 AM

Good evening all. First time on the site, and unfortunately am quite ignorant in the area in question.
I just purchased my second S&W, and so far the greatest handgun I've come to own (save for the Colt SAA), the model 21-4 .44 Special. As I am a relatively new S&W owner, I am having a hard time keeping the various "frames" distinguished. As I understand it, the model 21 is an N frame (correct me if I'm wrong.) I am looking for a set of stag grips for it and have come across several K frame round butt sets and I'm wondering if these two grip styles/sizes are interchangeable. If not, anyone with a lead on custom grip makers specializing in S&W, please point me in the right direction. All of you s&w guru's input on this would be greatly appreciated.

Taroman · August 2, 2016, 01:54 AM

N grips are larger than K frame ones. Look up Patrick Grashorn. He makes wonderful stag grips for many Colt and S&W revolvers.

Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk

laytonj1 · August 2, 2016, 08:16 AM

The five current frame sizes are J, K, L, N and X.
J frames are the small frame and are usually 5 shot. Their grips are not interchangeable with the other frame sizes.
K and L are the medium frame size. They are interchangeable with each other and with the X frame.
N frame is the large frame. Their grips are not interchangeable with the other frame sizes.
X frame is the largest frame (500 and 460 magnum). Their grips interchange with K and L.

Jim

**44 AMP** · August 2, 2016, 10:17 AM

Also be aware that "round butt" and "square butt" refers to the shape of the grip FRAME, not the actual shape of the grip panels (aka "stocks").

It is often possible to fit square butt grips to a round butt frame, but the reverse is almost never done, even if it can be.

Congrats on your .44!

1911_Hardball · August 2, 2016, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laytonj1

The five current frame sizes are J, K, L, N and X.

There are actually 6 frames. J, K, L, N, X, and Z (Governor).

TheLastGoodFight · August 2, 2016, 11:39 AM

Thank you all for your valuable input. It seems the N frame is fairly difficult to find grips for, unless I am looking in the wrong places. They seem very few and far between.
Ya'll's help has been significant. Thanks again for all of your input.

old bear · August 2, 2016, 11:42 AM

O/P first welcome. Second the N frame is LARGER than the K frame, so the grips can't be changed between the two frame sizes. If you want nice stag grips contact Patrick Grashorn, he makes a quality product at a fair price and is a super person to do business with. Almost all of my revolvers wear his custom grips.
The bottom photo is a Model 19 with a set of Patrick's big horn sheep grips.

TheLastGoodFight · August 2, 2016, 11:55 AM

My wife doesn't understand my tendency to drool over a quality handgun sporting beautiful stag grips; thats an awesome piece. Thanks for posting it. I'll get in touch with Mr. Grashorn today, and use you as a scapegoat when my good wife asks where $145 went. Thanks again.

laytonj1 · August 2, 2016, 11:58 AM

Quote:

and Z (Governor).

That's an abortion that does not count.

Jim

T. O'Heir · August 2, 2016, 12:06 PM

These guys sell 'N' frame imitation stag round grips. For real stag grips, you'd have to sell and organ. One guys wants nearly $300 for elk horn grips. If the corners of the grip frame are pointed, it's a square butt.
http://www.altamontco.com/experiment...on_n_round.php
Oh and an 'N' frame is decidedly bigger than a 'K' frame.

SaxonPig · August 2, 2016, 03:17 PM

N Frames abound...

357 Python · August 2, 2016, 05:45 PM

One way to remember which frame is which try this. If the caliber starts with a 3 chances are it will be a J, K, or L frame. If the 3 caliber has 5 shots then it is a J frame, 6 shots K or L frame. If the caliber starts with a 4 then chance are it is an N frame. This is what a friend who owned a gun shop told me many years ago.

stolivar · August 2, 2016, 08:25 PM

model 27 pre 27 N frame 357's

steve

**44 AMP** · August 2, 2016, 10:09 PM

AND the model 28 .357Magnum..

I also understand that S&W is now making a 5 shot .44Mag L frame gun, though I don't know the model number.

When it comes to guns, never say never,

RIDE-RED 350r · August 3, 2016, 07:15 PM

^^^^Model 69^^^^

I am curious about the OP's piece as to whether it has a round butt or square butt???

If it is round, he can use "round to square conversion grips" if he does not prefer the small/slim round butt grips... So there is an additional option.

SaxonPig · August 3, 2016, 08:48 PM

There is no easy formula. You just have to remember.

Stephanie B · August 3, 2016, 08:54 PM

The 296, 396 and 696, which were L-frame .44 Specials. The prices for all of them are drifting into the Land of Unobtainium.

carguychris · August 4, 2016, 01:55 PM

Here is a handy graphic from the S&W website illustrating the grip frame shapes:

August 2, 2016, 01:33 AM	#1
TheLastGoodFight Member Join Date: August 2, 2016 Location: Eastern OK Posts: 59	N frame vs. K frame Good evening all. First time on the site, and unfortunately am quite ignorant in the area in question. I just purchased my second S&W, and so far the greatest handgun I've come to own (save for the Colt SAA), the model 21-4 .44 Special. As I am a relatively new S&W owner, I am having a hard time keeping the various "frames" distinguished. As I understand it, the model 21 is an N frame (correct me if I'm wrong.) I am looking for a set of stag grips for it and have come across several K frame round butt sets and I'm wondering if these two grip styles/sizes are interchangeable. If not, anyone with a lead on custom grip makers specializing in S&W, please point me in the right direction. All of you s&w guru's input on this would be greatly appreciated. Last edited by TheLastGoodFight; August 2, 2016 at 01:33 AM. Reason: misprint

August 2, 2016, 10:17 AM	#4
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,832	Also be aware that "round butt" and "square butt" refers to the shape of the grip FRAME, not the actual shape of the grip panels (aka "stocks"). It is often possible to fit square butt grips to a round butt frame, but the reverse is almost never done, even if it can be. Congrats on your .44! __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

August 2, 2016, 12:06 PM	#10
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	These guys sell 'N' frame imitation stag round grips. For real stag grips, you'd have to sell and organ. One guys wants nearly $300 for elk horn grips. If the corners of the grip frame are pointed, it's a square butt. http://www.altamontco.com/experiment...on_n_round.php Oh and an 'N' frame is decidedly bigger than a 'K' frame. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

August 2, 2016, 08:25 PM	#13
stolivar Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2004 Posts: 394	you forgot about the `` model 27 pre 27 N frame 357's steve

August 2, 2016, 10:09 PM	#14
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,832	AND the model 28 .357Magnum.. I also understand that S&W is now making a 5 shot .44Mag L frame gun, though I don't know the model number. When it comes to guns, never say never, __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

August 2, 2016, 01:54 AM	#2
Taroman Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2010 Posts: 166	N grips are larger than K frame ones. Look up Patrick Grashorn. He makes wonderful stag grips for many Colt and S&W revolvers. Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk

August 2, 2016, 08:16 AM	#3
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Posts: 4,443	The five current frame sizes are J, K, L, N and X. J frames are the small frame and are usually 5 shot. Their grips are not interchangeable with the other frame sizes. K and L are the medium frame size. They are interchangeable with each other and with the X frame. N frame is the large frame. Their grips are not interchangeable with the other frame sizes. X frame is the largest frame (500 and 460 magnum). Their grips interchange with K and L. Jim

August 2, 2016, 11:39 AM	#6
TheLastGoodFight Member Join Date: August 2, 2016 Location: Eastern OK Posts: 59	Thank you all for your valuable input. It seems the N frame is fairly difficult to find grips for, unless I am looking in the wrong places. They seem very few and far between. Ya'll's help has been significant. Thanks again for all of your input.

August 2, 2016, 11:55 AM	#8
TheLastGoodFight Member Join Date: August 2, 2016 Location: Eastern OK Posts: 59	My wife doesn't understand my tendency to drool over a quality handgun sporting beautiful stag grips; thats an awesome piece. Thanks for posting it. I'll get in touch with Mr. Grashorn today, and use you as a scapegoat when my good wife asks where $145 went. Thanks again.

August 2, 2016, 03:17 PM	#11
SaxonPig Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2006 Posts: 1,900	N Frames abound...

August 2, 2016, 05:45 PM	#12
357 Python Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2007 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 941	One way to remember which frame is which try this. If the caliber starts with a 3 chances are it will be a J, K, or L frame. If the 3 caliber has 5 shots then it is a J frame, 6 shots K or L frame. If the caliber starts with a 4 then chance are it is an N frame. This is what a friend who owned a gun shop told me many years ago.

August 3, 2016, 07:15 PM	#15
RIDE-RED 350r Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2014 Posts: 425	^^^^Model 69^^^^ I am curious about the OP's piece as to whether it has a round butt or square butt??? If it is round, he can use "round to square conversion grips" if he does not prefer the small/slim round butt grips... So there is an additional option.

August 3, 2016, 08:48 PM	#16
SaxonPig Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2006 Posts: 1,900	There is no easy formula. You just have to remember.

August 3, 2016, 08:54 PM	#17
Stephanie B Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2008 Location: NWern SE Missouri Posts: 339	also don't forget The 296, 396 and 696, which were L-frame .44 Specials. The prices for all of them are drifting into the Land of Unobtainium.

August 4, 2016, 01:55 PM	#18
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	Here is a handy graphic from the S&W website illustrating the grip frame shapes: __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak